Q and A: Week of Nov. 12

Mary McDonnell of "Major Crimes"

Q: I enjoy “Major Crimes” very much, and I wondered if it will be back for another season? — Pat B., via e-mail

A: “Major Crimes,” TNT’s “The Closer” spinoff starring Mary McDonnell, was the year’s No. 1 new cable drama, so you can bet it will return for a 15-episode second season (up from a 10-episode first season) in summer 2013. As the premiere gets closer and I learn an exact date, I’ll be sure to let you know so you won’t miss Capt. Sharon Raydor and crew as they solve cases for LAPD’s Major Crimes Division.

Q: When will “In Treatment” be back? I hope soon. — Linda W., via e-mail

A: HBO canceled the Gabriel Byrne-starring drama in spring 2011 after three seasons and more than 100 episodes. At first there was talk of it possibly returning in a new incarnation; however, it would appear those plans have been scrapped.

As I reported a few months back, you can catch Gabriel on television again soon. He’ll be starring in the History Channel original scripted drama “Vikings,” which is slated for a 2013 premiere. Gabriel’s “In Treatment” co-star Dianne Wiest recently co-starred with Jennifer Garner in “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” and Michelle Forbes starred in AMC’s now-defunct “The Killing,” as Rosie Larsen’s mom, Mitch.

Q: What happened to the program “Fairly Legal”? Will it return? — Marilyn S., Webster, N.Y.

A: The USA network’s legal dramedy wrapped its second season this past June 15, with the third season to premiere in spring 2013 (no official date yet). If you are going through “Fairly Legal” withdrawal, season one is now on DVD, and season two is available for streaming purchase through amazon.com. Also, you can go to www.celebrityextraonline.com and search the archives to read my March 16 interview with series co-star Virginia Williams (Lauren Reed).

Q: I am big fan of “Single Ladies,” but somehow I missed a few episodes. Where can I catch up on my viewing? —- Hal W., via e-mail

A: Season two of the hit VH1 original scripted series is now available on DVD as a four-disc set containing all 14 episodes with bonus clips. Also, the show has been renewed for a third season, to premiere summer 2013.

Q: As the end of “The Office” gets closer, I am reminded that Rainn Wilson was supposed to get a spinoff, where I believe we get to see how Dwight and his cousin, Mose, run the beet farm. Is this still happening? — Gennifer T., Allentown, Pa.

A: It appears that plans for the Dwight/Mose spinoff, which was tentatively called “The Farm,” have fallen through. In late October, Rainn tweeted the following message to his millions of Twitter followers: “NBC has passed on moving forward with ‘The Farm’ TV show. Had a blast making the pilot — onwards and upwards!”

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 27

Q: I’ve really been looking forward to Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Great Gatsby” coming out for Christmas, but now I hear it’s been postponed. Why the delay, and when will it come out? — Cassandra W., via e-mail

A: The Baz Luhrmann 3-D adaptation of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald — which also stars Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton — is now slated for a summer 2013 release. Warner Bros. president of distribution, Dan Fellman, reasoned: “We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible” [by giving it a summer release].

Q: I just watched the season finale of “Rizzoli & Isles,” and already I can’t wait for the next season. Please tell me it has been renewed for a fourth season! — Dottie R., Roanoke, Va.

A: I am happy to report that there will indeed be a fourth season of TNT’s hit drama, which stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. The summer’s No. 1 returning scripted drama will be back in summer 2013 for another 15 episodes of mystery-solving fun. TNT has proved to be a summer force to be reckoned with, with such original scripted hits as “R & I,” “Falling Skies,” “Perception,” “Dallas” and more shows that are smashing viewing records all over the place.

Q: Can you tell me what one of my favorite actors, Gabriel Byrne, has been up to since “In Treatment”? What can I see him in? — Roger T., via e-mail

A: The talented Irishman stars in the new History channel scripted series called “Vikings,” which is based upon a real-life Viking king named Ragnar Lothbrok — played by Travis Fimmel — who literally exploded out of Scandinavia and onto the world stage in the 8th century. A young Norwegian farmer with a wife and family, Lothbrok is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftain, Earl Haraldson (played by Gabriel), who continues to send his Viking raiders east every summer, to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as materially poor as themselves. Haraldson and Lothbrok become adversaries as Lothbrok’s ambitions threaten Haraldson’s rule. The series — now filming in Ireland — also stars Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Clive Standen and Katheryn Winnick. It is set for a 2013 release.

Readers: A few months back, I held a contest for one reader to win the great summer read “Eat, Drink, and Be Married” by Rebecca Bloom. After sifting through the entries, I have randomly chosen a winner: Dorine T. of Terryville, Conn. Be on the lookout for your book, and I hope you enjoy it! All others who’d like to get in one last summer pleasure, head to amazon.com and order a copy for yourself — and maybe one for a friend. And go to www.celebrityextraonline.com to read my full interview with the talented author, and to see what she has coming up next.

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